A substance facilitating proton transfer across a membrane and dissipating the proton electrochemical gradient. It can uncouple respiration from ATP synthesis without directly inhibiting every electron-transfer reaction.
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A protonophore is a type of chemical compound that facilitates the transport of protons (H⁺ ions) across biological membranes. These compounds can disrupt the normal proton gradient across membranes, which is vital for the production of ATP in cellular respiration and photosynthesis. By allowing protons to move freely across membranes, protonophores can uncouple the process of oxidative phosphorylation from the electron transport chain.